MILF: MKCCIFI & SPMC hold focus group discussion on BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 1): MKCCIFI & SPMC hold focus group discussion on BBL



The Metro Kidapawan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc (MKCCIFI) and the Southern Philippines Methodist College (SPMC) jointly conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Bangsamoro Basic Law on November 26, 2014 at the Spottswood Methodist Mission Center, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.
   

Among the invited participants were selected group of tri-people, representatives from the church, academe, groups of students, women, MNLF Christian Affairs, local NGO, and the business sector.

The program started with an interfaith prayer.

Ms. Susan B. Palad, Technical Assistant of the Coordinating Office of the Executive Secretary – Office of the President of the Philippines was the resource speaker. She gave the rationale of the activity and explained the importance of focus group discussion on BBL as the right venue to get the collective views of the ordinary people from the grassroots level through a process of consultation. 

The FGD workshop was facilitated by Prof. Framer Christy P. Mellae, President of the Southern Philippines Methodist College; Ms. Arthela L. Millomeda, President of the Metro Kidapawan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.; and Mr. Gil T. Maganda, Secretary General, Acting Executive Director of MKCCIFI as master of ceremonies.

They presented the mechanics of the FGD ground rules with presentation of the guide questions written in English and Tagalog as follows:

1.    What is your understanding about Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)?
Ano ang iyong pagkaunawa tungkol sa BBL?
2.    Is there anything that you do not understand or you want to clarify about BBL?
Mayroon ka bang hindi nauunawaan o nais linawin tungkol sa BBL?
3.    What do you think would be the positive and negative impacts of BBL to you and your community?
Ano sa palagay mo ang maganda at di magandang maidudulot ng BBL sa iyo at iyong komunidad?
4.    Are you in favor or against of BBL? Why? (optional)
Pabor kaba o hindi pabor sa BBL, bakit?
5.    Do you have any suggestions/recommendations about BBL?
Mayroon ka bang suhestyon/rekomendasyon tungkol sa BBL?

The FGD output was turned-over to the representative of the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Office of the Presidential Assistance on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Participants were urged to undertake more information and educational campaign (IEC) on BBL to the grassroots level so that they can express their views, understand well the proposed BBL and feel the essence of their involvement on the issue that will surely affects them in Mindanao.

A synchronize schedule of public hearing and consultation in North Cotabato will be conducted by the House Ad Hoc Committee on BBL headed by Honorable Congressman Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City.

The FGD ended at around 3pm with a closing prayer by Rev. Abelardo N. Guerrero.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1377-mkccifi--spmc-hold-focus-group-discussion-on-bbl

MILF: Pagalungan LGU and MILF Political Committee hold forum on BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 1): Pagalungan LGU and MILF Political Committee hold forum on BBL



The local government of Pagalungan, Maguindanao and the local MILF Political Committee held public forum on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on November 23, 2014 at Municipal Covered Court in the municipality.
  

Two thousand one hundred forty six (2,146) comprising men and women from 34 villages participated in the activity. The program was opened with a very inspiring message of Dato Ali Simpal, Chairman of the Pagalungan Political Committee.

Mayor Salik P. Mamasabulod in his message pronounced his full support to the BBL. He enjoined the participants to vote YES to BBL and Bangsamoro Government during plebiscite.  Mayor Mamamsabulod is supportive to all peace and development programs in Pagalungan as he supported the conducted of public forum in the locality. About 99% of the populations of Pagalungan are Bangsamoro.

Mr. Esmael “Mike” Abdullah, from the MILF Committee on Information was the speaker. In his presentation, he said that the BBL is for all people residing in the Bangsamoro. All of them will benefit from the Bangsamoro either economically, socially, etc.
He urged his audience to vote “YES” during the plebiscite.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1376-pagalungan-lgu-and-milf-political-committee-hold-forum-on-bbl

CPP: CPP urges Sen. Santiago to put foot down on EDCA

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 1): CPP urges Sen. Santiago to put foot down on EDCA

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today applauded Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago for initiating a senatorial investigation into the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The investigation, set to start today, is to be undertaken by the foreign relations committee which Santiago chairs.

“Senator Santiago will serve well the Filipino people’s patriotic cause if she puts her foot down on the EDCA,” said the CPP.

“The Aquino and US government are hoodwinking the Filipino people in claiming that EDCA does not revive the US military bases which have long been opposed by the Filipino people,” added the CPP.

“The so-called ‘Agreed Locations’ within AFP camps provided for by the EDCA are nothing but American military bases since the US military will have exclusive control to land aircraft, dock warships, store weapons and house servicemen in these areas,” said the CPP.

“The demand to trash the EDCA, as well as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), has become increasingly significant in the wake of the killing of Jennifer Laude by an American serviceman in Subic last October 11,” pointed out the CPP.

“Such killings are bound to happen again as long as the Philippines continues to allow the US to establish its military presence in the country and the region,” pointed out the CPP.

“At any given time, there are thousands of US troops in various parts of the country in outright contempt of Philippine territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said the CPP.

“Under the EDCA and the VFA, US warships freely enter Philippine waters while US jetfighters fly in Philippine airspace and land on Philippine soil anytime they want.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141201_cpp-urges-sen-santiago-to-put-foot-down-on-edca

Ex-PSG general, terror hunter, heads task force

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 2): Ex-PSG general, terror hunter, heads task force

President Benigno Aquino III has appointed the former chief of the Presidential Security Group  Ramon Dizon, a retired general,  as chairman of the Information and Communications Technology Task Force.

Under Special Order No. 154, Dizon will have the rank of undersecretary and the ICTTF will be under Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

“As there is a need to make primarily strategic, tactical, or operational decisions, which requires inputs from diverse backgrounds, the ICTTF shall be a cross-functional team composed of members from different offices,” Aquino said.

The President said the task force shall be “provisional in nature” and would complement the functions of the existing Management Information Systems Office.

The task force shall include deputy executive secretaries Alberto Bernardo, Ronaldo Geron, Teofilo Pilando Jr., and Michael Aguinaldo.

Under the Special Order, the ICTTF shall coordinate with the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology in implementing the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) project.

The iGovPhil project provides public infrastructure for secured online transactions, email and collaborative task management, resource and application sharing, document and file handling, an online payment scheme, and voice and video conferencing.

The task force shall also work with the National Economic Development Authority in implementing the Medium-Term Information and Communications Technology Harmonization Initiative.

The initiative aims to harmonize and ensure inter-operability among ICT-related resources, programs, and projects across the government.

The ICTTF shall also coordinate with all offices within the Palace complex - including the DBM, Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, Presidential Communications Development & Strategic Planning Office, and Presidential Communications Operations Office, among others- for the integration of their respective ICT plans.

Dizon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Matikas Class of 1983, onced headed the military’s Joint Special Operations Group which was responsible for directing operations against local and foreign terrorists.

He was also a member of the Philippine Army-Scout Ranger Regiment which specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/02/ex-psg-general-terror-hunter-heads-task-force/

Soldier killed, 6 wounded in Sagada

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 2): Soldier killed, 6 wounded in Sagada

Suspected New People’s Army rebels ambushed on government troops Sunday evening in a remote village of Sagada town in Mountain Province resulting in the death of a soldier and six others wounded.

Capt. Randy Santa Maria, of the 5th Infantry Division said the identities of the casualties are being verified pending notification of relatives.

He said the military convoy led by Capt. Jefferson Somera and personnel of Alpha 5th Civil Military Office Battalion under 1Lt. Edelfred Mendoza and Cordillera Youth Leaders were attacked at Sitio Pogew in Barangay Teptep-an at 10:30 p.m. after conducting a Youth Leadership Summit at Sagada National High School.

The injured were brought for treatment at the Bontoc Provincial Hospital.

Santa Maria said teambuilding activities involved at least 72 participants “to further enhance the leadership skills, camaraderie and unity of the youth and prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders of the society.”

Lecturers included representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Department, National Youth Council and  non-government organizations.

Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, newly installed 5ID commander who replaced Maj. Gen. Benito De Leon, said “the remnants of the NPA are disrupting the strong cooperation among the government and the non-government organizations in the conduct of civil-military operations within Sagada.”

Recently, Governor Leonardo Mayaen and Vice Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. of Mountain Province have declared the locality as generally peaceful and ready for development.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/02/soldier-killed-6-wounded-in-sagada/

EDCA deterred sea disputes—Gazmin

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 2): EDCA deterred sea disputes—Gazmin

BEIJING stopped harassing Filipino ships in disputed areas of the West Philippine Sea after the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between Manila and Washington, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin claimed before a Senate committee on Monday.

Gazmin made the claim even as Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago argued that the failure of the Aquino administration to submit the EDCA to the Senate for ratification diminishes its legislative power, although she admitted that President Benigno Aquino III cannot be forced to submit the agreement for ratification.

Gazmin, during his testimony, said the EDCA served as “a deterrent” against external security threats, such as those presented by China.

“Right now, we use EDCA as a deterrent to threats to our security. As we continue using the EDCA, we continue to fill the gap [of our Armed Forces] through our modernization program,” Gazmin said during the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the EDCA.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. questioned the deterrence factor since the agreements the Philippines have with the United States do not really guarantee US assistance if the country  is dragged into a war with another country.

“Why will an aggressive power be afraid to attack us?” Marcos said, but Gazmin insisted that the deterrence effect has already emerged in recent events.

“The deterrence is already happening,” Gazmin said. “As you see, we are no longer being attacked when we resupply our troops at Ayungin Shoal.”

Santiago, meanwhile, said she would file a resolution that will force Senate to take a position on the new Philippine-US deal allowing the US military to construct facilities and preposition defense assets inside Philippine military bases.

“I will first draft it and then circulate it for signatures of my colleagues and then I will present it in the form of sponsoring speech and then we’ll have a plenary debate on it,” she said.

Santiago said the Senate will pass a resolution expressing its “collective wisdom” on the country’s EDCA with the United States.

“We will pass a resolution to express the sense of the Senate about the failure of the President to endorse the EDCA to the Senate for concurrence in ratification,” she  also said   in a media briefing after her foreign affairs committee conducted a hearing on EDCA.

She noted that some senators are extremely disappointed after the Executive snubbed the Senate when it entered into the agreement.

“Basically, I think the sentiment is widespread that the Senate does not feel happy that its constitutionally accepted powers such as ratification of a treaty was short-circuited by the Executive branch in connection to EDCA. They did it behind their backs. They were not open about the process,” she said.

She cited Article 7, Section 21 of the Constitution, which states, “No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/02/edca-deterred-sea-disputes-gazmin/

Civilians, cops foil bombing attempt with the discovery of IED in SoCot town

From the Manila Times (Dec 2): Civilians, cops foil bombing attempt with the discovery of IED in SoCot town

Civilians and police authorities prevented another attempt by suspected terrorist to set off bombs in South Cotabato when they discovered an improvised bomb in Banga town Monday morning, police said Tuesday.

Senior Supt. Jose Briones Jr., South Cotabato police provincial director, said the improvised bomb fashioned from 81 mm mortar with mobile phone as triggering device was found by civilians at 9 a.m. at a provincial road in Purok Maligaya, Barangay Bangsa, about 30 kilometers south of here.

He said the civilians found a suspicious bag left unattended at a roadside. When check they found it heavy and wirings were seen protruding from something wrapped with packing tape.

Briones said the civilians alerted the police about the suspicious bag who quickly cordoned off the area.

Henry Puig, village councilman, said the residents noticed the explosive early in the morning but did not mind it and thought it was just a piece of garbage. Curious, Puig tried to check on the bag and found a mortar round.

Briones theorized that the bomb carrier could have planned to bring the IED somewhere else or in a populated area to detonate but abandoned it in Banga due to the presence of soldiers and policemen manning checkpoints on major highways in the province.

Briones said the IED has the signature of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) blamed by government security officials in the series of IED bomb attacks in North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Cotabato City.

The IED is now in the possession of police and Army bomb disposal team for safekeeping.

Briones said he is waiting directives from Police Regional Office 12 in Gen. Santos City as to when the ordnance will be defused.

He lauded the civilians, village officials and the police for quick reporting and timely action by law enforcers.

Briones added that community participation in crime prevention was proven effective with the incident.

Had it not for the alertness of civilians, the IED could have gone somewhere and could have maimed or killed innocent civilians.

Following the incident, Briones directed all police units in the province to increase police visibility and mobile checkpoints to thwart nefarious activities of lawless elements, especially it is already Christmas season.

http://www.manilatimes.net/civilians-cops-foil-bombing-attempt-with-the-discovery-of-ied-in-socot-town/145942/

189 candidate soldiers complete training at 10th Infantry Division

From the Manila Times (Dec 2): 189 candidate soldiers complete training at 10th Infantry Division

The Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division announced that 189 of its candidate soldiers have successfully completed their training at its Division Training School in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuburan, Mawab town Monday.

A native of Loreto Agusan Sel Sur, Mariano N. Gonzales Jr. topped the class, besting 96 other members of the “Maalab” or “Mandirigmang Agila Alay ay Lakas at Buhay.”

The class has an original regular quota of 97 candidate soldiers.

Seven were not able to survive the rigors of military training and discipline. They were replaced from the pool of reserved but qualified trainees.

On the other hand, Nicko John S. Manginsay of Tagum City topped the Candidate Soldier Course Class 370-2014 besting 91 others.

Their class name “Maligalig” which stands for “Mandirigmang Agila na Likas ang Galing,Iingatan ang Gawain Bilang Isang Kawal” has an original quota of 96 but four failed to pass the course.

The Candidate Soldier Course, cross-trained with Jungle Warfare Mountaineering Operation Course also includes training in humanitarian assistance and disaster response and peace and development outreach program orientation course.

10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año, the graduation’s keynote speaker, congratulated the new members of “Team Agila” as well as their families and relatives.

In his message Año, reminded that “soldiers are not only required to possess a high degree of military skills but also willingness to make personal sacrifices, lots of personal sacrifices to provide the most combat capability and the maximum service possible for the tax paid by our people.”

http://www.manilatimes.net/189-candidate-soldiers-complete-training-at-10th-infantry-division/145944/

Civilian woman hurt as NPAs strafed military truck in Albay

From the Manila Times (Dec 2): Civilian woman hurt as NPAs strafed military truck in Albay

A civilian woman was wounded when she was accidentally hit by stray bullets after five New People’s Army (NPA) fighters fired upon a passing Army truck at Barangay Morera, Guinobatan, Albay, late Monday night.

Southern Luzon Command spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman said the incident happened at 12:47 p.m.

He identified the victim as one Rose Otilano.

Guzman said the victim was standing near the roadside when the rebels fired 10 rounds at a passing Army KM4-50 and quickly made their getaway.

Stray bullets, however, hit Ortilano instead.

Soldiers rushed the victim to the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital in Legazpi City.

The military truck was transporting six Army soldiers to Legazpi City when attacked by the NPAs.

No one however was hurt among the soldiers.

Lt. Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, 2nd Infantry Battalion commander, has deployed forces for pursuit operations.

Guzman said that all Southern Luzon Command units were ordered to be extra vigilant and intensify security operations particularly in enemy strongholds.

http://www.manilatimes.net/civilian-woman-hurt-as-npas-strafed-military-truck-in-albay/145948/

Army sends more troops to track down BIFF in Maguindanao

From the Manila Times (Dec 2): Army sends more troops to track down BIFF in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao: The military has sent more troops Tuesday to the town of Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao following the harassment incident by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Monday.

Captain Joann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division information officer, said the BIFF has been harassing far flung communities in Datu Shariff Saydona who refused to provide revolutionary tax to the outlawed group.

Three BIFF fighters were killed in a clash with elements of the 45th Infantry Battalion in the village of Nabundas, Shariff Saydona at past 7 a.m. Monday.

Two soldiers were slightly wounded when BIFF under Commander Sanad fired mortars at approaching government forces. The remains of three unarmed BIFF were turned over by the military to the local village officials.

Captain Jay Maniwang, civil-military relations chief of the 601st Brigade which has jurisdiction over the second district of Maguindanao, said the soldiers were set to the village of Nabundas to check on alleged forced taxation by armed men.

But as they approached the village, they were ambushed by about 30 BIFF fighters who were positioned on both sides of the dirt road.

Two soldiers were immediately hit by shrapnel when a mortar round landed near them.
Maniwang said they are now safe in a government hospital and will soon be discharged.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division chief, said there is no let-up in the offensive against the lawless elements blamed for the series of atrocities against civilians and against the military.

Four government forces were separately executed by BIFF hit men, including a Camp Aguinaldo-based Army major. They also harassed civilian communities in farming villages during harvest season and even execute those who refused to shell out portions of the harvest to the movement.

Soldiers from the 45th IB, backed by armoured personnel carriers, are now station in Barangay Nabundas to protect the civilians and prevent the BIFF from advancing to populated communities.

Capt. Petinglay said the BIFF also sent reinforcement and positioned along the Maguindanao marshland in an apparent attempt to overrun Army positions as well as a satellite camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF).

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu has sent the provincial relief team to extend emergency aid to some 50 families displaced by the conflict. The affected families are now in Barangay Nabundas village multi-purpose hall.

http://www.manilatimes.net/army-sends-more-troops-to-track-down-biff-in-maguindanao/145950/

6 NPAs yield in Davao Oriental

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 1): 6 NPAs yield in Davao Oriental

Six members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the province of Davao Oriental have voluntarily surrendered to authorities, the Philippine Army reported.

Last Saturday, four NPA rebels yielded to Lupon town Mayor Domingo Lim, the report said.

The four rebels were identified as Jayson Mabaslay alias Beboy; Richard Mabaslay alias Cocoy; Jennifer Mabaslay alias Jena; and Jocel Tejano alias Jenny.

The military said Jayson Mabaslay served as the vice team leader of a group of NPAs operating in the area while Jocel Tejano is a medic.

It also reported that before the surrender of the four, two other insurgents had surrendered to elements of 66th IB in sitio Yauri, barangay Calapagan in Lupon town.

The two were identified as Jomar Mabaslay alias Gilbert and Rene Boy Nacion alias Totoy.

No firearms were surrendered by the six rebels, the army added.

There was also no report whether the Mabaslays were relatives.

Hardship and disillusionment were the main reasons why the rebels decided to go back to the fold of the law.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander Lt. General Aurelio Baladad lauded the decision of the six rebels to finally return to their normal lives.

Baladad also urged the other rebels in the area to do the same and start to live peacefully with their respective families and communities.

“We are glad that these NPAs to decided to return to a peaceful and productive lives”, Baladad said in a statement sent by the Army to the media here.

He added that the six rebels can now avail of the livelihood and other assistance programs from the government for them to start their normal lives in their communities.

“For years, the Eastern Mindanao Command has facilitated the surrender of 442 rebels. Those who surrendered with firearms are now enrolled with the Guns for Peace program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Baladad pointed out.

http://www.mb.com.ph/6-npas-yield-in-davao-oriental/

EDCA as an implementing treaty (VFA) of an implementing treaty (MDT) is absurdity - Dean Magallona

From InterAksyon (Dec 1): EDCA as an implementing treaty (VFA) of an implementing treaty (MDT) is absurdity - Dean Magallona

The argument of the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States is an implementing agreement of the Visiting Forces Agreement, which is also the implementing agreement of the Mutual Defense Treaty is an “absurdity,” said an international law expert Monday.

“An Implementing treaty of an implementing treaty of an implementing treaty is an absurdity,” said Merlin Magallona, former dean of the University of the Philippines’ College of Law, at the Senate hearing on EDCA.

He also argued that there is a clear “discontinuity” between EDCA and MDT, particularly after the expiration in 1991 of the Military Bases Agreement between the two countries.

Tagging as an executive agreement the accord that allows for rotational presence of US forces in the country is, Magallona said, meant to put it beyond the reach of the Senate - vested by the Philippine Constitution with the power to allow foreign military bases, troops, or facilities in the country as long as  it concurs in a treaty providing so.

“The Senate concurrence is the constitutional device by which the treaty is saved from said constitutional prohibition (against foreign military forces in the country),” he said.

EDCA is also “contrary and incompatible” to the respective self-defense clauses of the United Nations Charter and the Philippine Constitution, Magallona said.

Self-defense, he said, is a state obligation and responsibility.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4004111469161356591&pli=1#editor/target=post;postID=4358119196815297041

Miriam Santiago insists EDCA a new treaty that Senate must ratify

From InterAksyon (Dec 1): Miriam Santiago insists EDCA a new treaty that Senate must ratify

Insisting that the Senate is the only treaty-ratifying entity under the Constitution, Senator Miriam Defensor–Santiago said Monday she will file a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate about its concurrence and ratification first being obtained in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The Palace position is weak and all its citations are obsolete, said Santiago, who chairs the Senate foreign relations committee and is a known international law expert.In a press briefing after conducting the first hearing on the constitutionality of EDCA, Santiago said the agreement as it stands cannot be the implementing treaty of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) passed by the Senate in 1951 and must be treated as a new agreement which the Senate is constitutionally mandated to  ratify or reject.
“We will pass a resolution to express the sense of the Senate about the failure of the President to endorse the EDCA to the Senate for concurrence and ratification. We are extremely disappointed that this has not been done because that is the constitutional procedure described in our Constitution,” Santiago said.

'Palace position on EDCA totally weak'

Santiago observed that the position of the Palace in defending EDCA is totally weak because all of its citations are obsolete.
“My goodness, the Mutual Defense Treaty [is so old]. . . . It is over 50 years old. How can a treaty in 2014 be the implementation of a treaty made as far back as 1951? They are stretching it too far,” Santiago said.

Santiago said that since the Supreme Court prohibits the Senate from compelling the President to send EDCA for its concurrence, the Senate foreign relations committee will file its resolution to enlighten the Executive Department on its constitutional powers to ratify treaties.

“So, as a result of the proceedings this afternoon . . the foreign relations committee will issue the sense of the Senate resolution hoping it will enlighten" people; manifest before the Supreme Court the attitude of the Senate as a collective body; and convey to the President "the sense of commitment of various senators to the EDCA," Santiago said.
During the hearing she chaired, former UP Law Dean and international law expert Merlin Magallona described as a total absurdity the notion that the EDCA is an implementing treaty of an implementing treaty.

Pia Cayetano: backs chair's position

With this, Senator Pia Cayetano supported Santiago’s position, saying that as the Senate cannot compel the President to submit EDCA for ratification, the Upper Chamber can take a position on its sense as a whole body.

“I stand with the position of the chair that we cannot compel the President to transmit the document to us. But, we can take a position on how we feel about as a Senate body,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano also argued that the EDCA cannot be the implementing treaty of another treaty since it   introduced new terms including utilities, free franchise for telecommunications. “These terms are not present in the VFA.”

“Article 4, supplies of equipment and materials - we already authorized the US to enter their supplies, and the document already gets the authorization so say that this is implementing treaty of VFA. But, no, this is new,” Cayetano said.

Meanwhile, Santiago said that there is nothing in the EDCA which can be used by the country to defend itself from any foreign aggression, including Chinese encroachment on its territory.

Santiago cited an instance when Obama was asked if he will defend Japan from Chinese aggression over the disputed island south of Tokyo, and Obama said yes. However, when asked whether America will come to the Philippines' defense in case of a similar action by China over Ayungin Shoal, Obama said no, according to Santiago.  

“Tinanong si Obama na ikaw ba makikipag-giyera galling sa America kapag inatake ang mga islands na ito. Sabi nya opo,” Santiago said.

However, when asked about the Chinese aggression on Ayungin Shoal and other islands in the West Philippines Sea, Obama supposedly stated that he will not defend the country.

“Pero, tinanong siya na ikaw ba makikipag-giyera bilang pinuno ng America kapag  inatake ng China ang Pilipinas, sabi nya hindi,” Santiago said.

“It is clear now that we will not gain anything from EDCA and there is nothing in EDCA that stipulates what kind of help they can give us. Sure, they helped us after typhoon Yolanda but now, they are telling us that EDCA should already be in force,” Santiago added, speaking in Filipino.

EDCA in effect already?

Santiago asserted that EDCA can only be effective and valid if the Senate ratifies the treaty, but it was shocking to note the agreement was in effect even before it was questioned in the Supreme Court.

“And what shocked everybody during the proceedings in the Supreme Court [is the information] that EDCA is actually in effect. Because wala na palang kailangan pa, kapag sinabi sulatan doon na kung sino ang nagpirma doon, pirmahan na sila. In effect na kaya walang pakialam ang Senado, balewala na kami,” Santiago said.
Santiago said  the secret negotiation entered into by the Executive Department on EDCA could be a precedent, since the Palace can now sign an international treaty without the concurrence and ratification of the Senate, as the Constitution requires.

“Kaya nakakagimbal ito baka kasi gagawin na lamang ulit nila ito; balewala na pala ang Senado.  May partisipasyon ang Senado kasi kami ang kinatawan ng mamamayan. Kung ganito ito, e puwede na palang makipag-ugyan o makipag-treaty ang Pilipinas sa ibayong bansa na hindi kinokonsulta ang taumbayan sa pamamagitan ng Senado,” she said.

"Yan ang point na sinasabi natin sa EDCA, it should pass the Senate. The administration should have the bravery to consult the Senate on what is the feeling of the Senate about the treaty,” Santiago added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/100286/miriam-santiago-insists-edca-a-new-treaty-that-senate-must-ratify

3 Moro rebels killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 1): 3 Moro rebels killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao clash

Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed while two soldiers were wounded in an encounter in a remote village in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao, Monday morning, the Army said.

Capt. Jay Maniwang, civil-military relations chief of the 601st Brigade, said in a telephone interview that the injured soldiers, who belonged to the 45th Infantry Battalion, were now confined in a government hospital.

Maniwang said the soldiers were on patrol in the village of Nabundas in Shariff Saydona at 6 a.m. when they came under fire.

The soldiers had been sent to Nabundas to check out reports that the BIFF rebels were threatening villagers who refused to provide revolutionary tax.

Maniwang said the soldiers engaged the rebels in a two-hour firefight.

Citing accounts of villagers, Maniwang said the fleeing BIFF took the firearms of their fallen comrades. They were identified by the villagers only as Samsudin, Karim and Abdullah.

Maniwang identified the leader of the rebels as Commander Sanad and a certain Bisaya, both lieutenants of Ameril Ombra Kato, founding chair of the BIFF.

Pursuit operations were continuing, Maniwang said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/653889/3-moro-rebels-killed-2-soldiers-hurt-in-maguindanao-clash

Human rights group condemns charges vs. Aquino protesters

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 1): Human rights group condemns charges vs. Aquino protesters

Human rights group Karapatan has condemned the government's harassment against dozens of Filipinos who stage a rally in front of President Aquino's house in Quezon City.

Police filed charges against several protesters after clashing with them on November 29. It said the protesters vandalized Aquino's house after the marchers sprayed paint on the gate.

“It is a logical reaction from a regime that looks at governance as a game of masquerade instead of looking into and addressing the roots of people’s dissent,” Cristina Palabay, Karapatan's Secretary-General.

She also accused the government of human rights violations under the so-called Oplan Bayanihan, the military's anti-insurgency campaign. "Aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan is instrumental in the bombing of communities, illegal arrests, detention, and killings of activists masqueraded as - peace and development, and respect for human rights - and the police brutality used against legitimate protest actions and during demolition of urban poor shanties masqueraded as - maintenance of peace and order - and pork barrel system and the Development Acceleration Program or DAP masqueraded as economic stimuli," Palabay said.

She added: "Aquino’s statements on extrajudicial killings and a host of human rights violations in the Philippines is a recording — a canned, predictable response, if not a mantra he has to recite to convince himself that his regime is different from all the other regimes in the past, which committed transgressions on people’s rights and lives."

There was no immediate response from the government, but the military has previously tagged Karapatan as a front of the Communist Party of the Philippines and itrs armed wing the New People's Army.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20141201090835